Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
NYC COMPTROLLE
City Comptroller John C. Liu today offered fresh ideas for cutting waste, spurring investment to ensure sustainable growth, and doing more to enhance the economic security of all New Yorkers – in a State of the City address delivered at the City College of New York.
In addition to highlighting the nearly $1 billion in savings his office has identified over the past two years, Comptroller Liu outlined proposals and put forth an ambitious plan to battle unemployment, increase oversight of City finances, assist small business, and create a more level playing field for all New Yorkers.
Among the proposals:
• Taking advantage of low interest rates to accelerate capital
construction projects, helping stimulate the economy and create 15,000
jobs.
• Working with telecommunications companies to offer low-cost internet access to more New Yorkers.
• Increasing the New York City Pension Funds’ economically-targeted investments by $1 billion, thereby putting money back into the local economy while at the same time generating solid returns.
• Enhancing the retirement security of New Yorkers in the private sector by having the same staff that manages the City’s pension system oversee a fund for private workers, leveraging their investment expertise and economies of scale.
• Slashing personal income taxes for 99 percent of New York City filers – joint filers with incomes below $500,000 – while nominally raising taxes on top earners.
• Establishment of a new government subcontracting system to finally track and monitor the billions of dollars spent on subcontractors each year.
• Introduction of Checkbook 2.0, the newest version of the Comptroller’s best-in-class website that gives the public the ability to see each agency’s budget, revenue, and contracts.
• A new 212-NO-WASTE hotline for New Yorkers to report waste.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
What You Should Know by Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz
Senator Dean Skelos should create a Senate Committee to investigate Senator Mark Grisanti.
There are too many versions of what happened the night of February 10, 2012 in the Seneca Niagara Casino. It is being reported that Senator Mark Grisanti was involved in an altercation that resulted in his wife being injured.
There is another story floating around where many people are claiming that Senator Grisanti threw the first punch and that he hit a woman. If this is so, these are very serious accusations.
I completely disagree with Senator Dean Skelos when he said “I believed Mark Grisanti when he said he was attacked. His wife was attacked. She was knocked down on the floor. They beat her head against the floor. She has a concussion. She has bruises, and I think that was an indication that she was attacked.”
I wish that Senator Skelos and the members of the Senate would have taken Hiram Monserrate and his girl friend Carla at their word and believed them, the same way they are believing Mark Grisanti.
You should know that during the Hiram Monserrate incident there were no witnesses present except Monserrate and his girlfriend Carla. Both of them testified under oath that it was an accident, but Senator Skelos and the members of the Senate did not believe them. They formed their own opinion and decided that they knew better and expelled Senator Monserrate from the Senate.
Today, my dear reader, you should also know that contrary to Monserrate’s case, in Grisanti’s situation there are many other witnesses that testified against Grisanti’s version. Yet Senator Skelos does not believe those witnesses who were not only present, but saw and heard every detail of the incident. Senator Skelos already has decided to believe Senator Grisanti’s account.
You should know, and I want to make it very clear, that I am not saying that Senator Grisanti is wrong or that he is right. I was not there. I am merely stating that justice has to be equal. If the Senate created a special committee to investigate Senator Hiram Monserrate, even when the only two witnesses said that it was an accident, why not create a committee to investigate Senator Mark Grisanti, when there are many witnesses and many different stories?
Justice is supposed to be blind, colorless, racially-less, culturally-less, and conveniently-less.
You should also know that it was the Democratic controlled Senate that created a commission to investigate one of their own (Senator Monserrate), regardless of the consequences to their own majority and party affiliations.
I am Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
The Bronx Youth Empowerment Program
Presents
CONNECTIONS
Building Positive Relationships
Between our youth and NYPD
Richard R. Green Middle School
3710 Barnes Ave
Bronx NY 10467
Monday, February 27, 2012
6pm
Interact with our officers
Get the information that will save lives!!!
Share your concerns
BE THERE!!!
For more information contact
Bronx Youth Empowerment Program
718-515-0822
bronxyep@gmail.com
The Bronx Youth Empowerment Program
Salutes Black History Month!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Accepts Invitation to Rally for Traditiona
Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Accepts Invitation to Rally for Traditional Marriage in Trenton
New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) and fellow Ministers from the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization have accepted an invitation to travel to the New Jersey State Legislature in Trenton to join New Jersey ministers in support of Traditional Marriage. The Pentecostal ministers will depart from the Bronx on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 9AM from the Christian Community Neighborhood Church located at 1437 Longfellow Avenue (between Jennings and Freeman Avenues).
Senator Rev. Diaz stated: “I am honored that Rev. Jose C. Lopez, the President of the Evangelical Pastors Association of Hudson County, has invited me and my ministers to join him along with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, to once again unite in prayer for the protection of the traditional family.”
Also From Senator Diaz The Following-
Senator Reverend Diaz Urges Decision on Congressional Lines
New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) has issued the following statement:
“They seem to be playing games about where New York’s Congressional lines should be drawn. When those lines are finally drawn, the opportunity will be open for many people to consider running for Congress. I wish they would hurry up and appoint a federal judge to draw New York’s Congressional lines because as soon as they do, many people like myself will make up their mind to run for Congress or not.”
According to the census, the Bronx has gained population and I as well as many others are on the waiting list to decide what our options are. A new congressional seat in the Bronx will give many of us an opportunity to consider moving up.
COMPTROLLER LIU"s STATEMENT ON EDC’S $100 MILLION SUBSIDY TO FRESH DIRECT
“Today’s $100 million subsidy to Fresh Direct was already a done deal from the moment it was announced last week and the reality is that my vote today does not change the outcome. Nonetheless, I cannot vote for this subsidy in good conscience. There may be more ways to ensure a better return on this investment.
“For the cost of this benefits package the city could give 4,385 students full, four-year scholarships to CUNY or hire 1,458 new teachers or pay for 350,000 GED test-prep programs or launch a micro-lending program for minority and women entrepreneurs.
“The EDC has not clearly justified why this much money should be used to subsidize this company. This subsidy seems to give away too much in exchange for the jobs and economic development it promises, despite the rosy numbers provided by the EDC.
“A few months ago, the EDC attracted a world-class university by promising $100 million in capital for a project that by their own estimate will generate 30,000 jobs. Now the EDC is giving close to $100 million to create 962 jobs. The cost to the City is $93,000 for each new job.
“Fresh Direct does appear to have support from elected officials, labor leaders, and the workers and we understand and concur with the sentiment that to keep jobs in New York City and create jobs in the Bronx are high-priority objectives.
“This agreement comes on the heels of the city’s decision to have taxpayers fund the estimated $180 million Ferry Point golf course. That the Fresh Direct deal was announced before the public even had a chance to comment is symptomatic of this badly flawed process.”
Elected Officials And Locals Will Gather At Transit Town Hall In The Bronx
Assembly Member Marcos Crespo Sponsors Forum With Transit Advocates & Riders
Thursday, February 16 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
WHAT A community forum on public transportation.
WHEN February 16, 2012, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
WHERE Bronx River Community Center
1619 East 174th Street
Bronx, NY
WHO Assembly Member Marcos Crespo
Assembly Member Carmen E. Arroyo
Assembly Member Jose Rivera
Assembly Member Vanessa L. Gibson
Assembly Member Nelson Castro
Council Member Maria Del Carmen Arroyo
Picture The Homeless
Youth Ministries For Peace And Justice
WHY To discuss the challenges facing transit riders in an
underfunded system and to identify solutions.
Background
This forum will be an opportunity for transit riders to talk with elected officials and community leaders about solutions for improving their quality of life through reliable, affordable and efficient transit.
In the Bronx River/Soundview area, 63 percent of local residents use public transit. More than 43,000 daily riders start their commutes at the eight subway stations in the neighborhood, and these numbers don’t include the tens of thousands of riders who rely on local and express bus service.
This forum will be an opportunity for transit riders to talk with elected officials and community leaders about solutions for improving their quality of life through reliable, affordable and efficient transit.
In the Bronx River/Soundview area, 63 percent of local residents use public transit. More than 43,000 daily riders start their commutes at the eight subway stations in the neighborhood, and these numbers don’t include the tens of thousands of riders who rely on local and express bus service.
Monday, February 13, 2012
BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ, BOEDC & FRESHDIRECT REACH AGREEMENT ON NEW FACILITY
Today, in advance of a vote at the Industrial Development Agency on FreshDirect’s proposed relocation to the Harlem River Yards in the Bronx, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and FreshDirect have reached an agreement on best practices to address a number of the concerns that have been raised since FreshDirect’s proposed relocation was made public.
The “memorandum of understanding” includes agreements between the three parties on local hiring, vendor referrals, expanding FreshDirect’s services to new Bronx neighborhoods, accepting EBT benefits, and decreasing the company’s reliance on fossil fuels through the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles.
“I am very excited that FreshDirect will make the Bronx its new home, and that we have come to an agreement with the company that will ensure their commitment to the Bronx for decades to come. FreshDirect’s decision to stay in New York City, right here in the Bronx, is a win-win for everyone. FreshDirect is a real home-grown success that will now continue to grow, creating almost a thousand new jobs in our borough, which is not only a victory for the Bronx but also the entire City,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“We welcome FreshDirect to the Bronx and know that our collaboration will result in a rich environment for them, our residents and the other Bronx businesses that are anxious to provide their growing customer base with additional products made in our Borough,” said Marlene Cintron, president, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.
“We're thrilled by the opportunity to be a part of the Bronx community. We have historically created a large amount of new jobs and look forward to creating many more hand-in-hand with our new neighbors. Also, we take seriously our shared responsibility to the environment,” said Jason Ackerman, CEO of FreshDirect.
In addition to the MOU, Borough President Diaz’s office has also created a new Facebook group, “Bronxites for FreshDirect,” designed to illustrate to the company just how many Bronx residents are willing to not only use their service, but have the technical capabilities to do so.
“A critique of FreshDirect has been the company’s unwillingness to deliver to most areas of the Bronx. Through this Facebook page, we are prepared to show FreshDirect that Bronx residents are ready to use their service, if it is offered to them,” said Borough President Diaz.
That page can be found at facebook.com/
NEW YORK CITY COMPTROLLER JOHN C. LIU APPOINTS RICARDO MORALES AS FIRST DEPUTY COMPTROLLER
City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced the appointments of Ricardo Elias Morales to the position of First Deputy Comptroller and Valerie Budzik to the title of Deputy Comptroller / General Counsel. Morales will be replacing current First Deputy Eric Eve as he departs the office to join strategic global communications firm RLM Finsbury as Partner, while Budzik assumes the role currently held by Morales.
Morales and Budzik will begin their new responsibilities immediately. First Deputy Comptroller Eve will depart the office effective February 24th, and will work with Morales closely to ensure a seamless transition.
“Ricardo and Eric have been key advisors and close confidants, and they have opined on nearly every decision we have made over these past two years,” Comptroller Liu said. “I wish Eric the best and thank him for his countless hours of work as the chief of my leadership team and look forward to seeing the great things that Ricardo will bring to the table as he assumes this new role.”
“I look forward to using my expanded role and experience in government to build upon the significant achievements of Comptroller Liu’s administration,” Morales said. “I am deeply honored to have Comptroller Liu’s continued trust and confidence, and am proud to undertake this new role.”
Prior to joining Comptroller Liu’s administration, Ricardo Morales served as General Counsel and Interim Chairman to the New York City Housing Authority, the largest public housing authority in North
America with a $3.2 billion annual budget and 11,600 employees. At NYCHA, Morales was the principal architect of the NYCHA Audit Committee and was selected to receive the Ethics in Government Award by the NYC Conflicts of Interest Board for establishing a model ethics program.
Morales holds a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center and received his bachelor’s degree from Amherst College. He and his wife reside in the Bronx.
“Ricardo has served as a linchpin of my administration since I first took office and continues to demonstrate extraordinary leadership and keen guidance,” Comptroller Liu said. “His new role will further leverage his deep knowledge of City government and enable our office to deliver on the commitment I made to City residents early on: to expand opportunity, increase transparency and root out waste, fraud and abuse.”
In elevating Valerie Budzik to Deputy Comptroller for Legal Affairs / General Counsel, Liu said “Valerie has been integral to the smooth and efficient functioning of this office. I know she will continue to perform at the very highest levels and move our vigorous agenda forward.” Ms. Budzik holds a J.D degree from Fordham Law School and received her bachelor’s degree from Fordham University. She and her family reside in Brooklyn.
Background:
As Deputy Comptroller for Legal Affairs / General Counsel, Morales currently oversees the Bureaus of Legal Affairs, Law and Adjustment and Labor Law. In this capacity he also serves as advisor to the Comptroller on all legal matters that impact the mission and operations of the Comptroller’s office. In the Comptroller’s role as investment advisor to the City Pension Funds, Morales provides legal advice and support on issues such as proxy solicitation matters, shareholder initiatives and securities litigation. In addition, Morales works with Bureau of Contracts to ensure city agencies are in legal compliance for contract registration, the Bureau of Public Finance in structuring and negotiating bond sales, as well as the Bureau of Audit to review any legal issues or findings that may emerge as a result of ongoing audits. Ms. Budzik will now assume these responsibilities.
As First Deputy Comptroller, Morales will now be responsible for managing a staff of more than 700 employees and an operating budget of $74 million.
In addition to overseeing the day to day to operations of the Comptroller’s office, he will supervise the City’s audits of municipal agencies, its settlement of claims, accounting procedures and contracts, and its enforcement of prevailing wage laws. He will also act as the agency’s Chief Procurement Officer.
Morales and Budzik will begin their new responsibilities immediately. First Deputy Comptroller Eve will depart the office effective February 24th, and will work with Morales closely to ensure a seamless transition.
“Ricardo and Eric have been key advisors and close confidants, and they have opined on nearly every decision we have made over these past two years,” Comptroller Liu said. “I wish Eric the best and thank him for his countless hours of work as the chief of my leadership team and look forward to seeing the great things that Ricardo will bring to the table as he assumes this new role.”
“I look forward to using my expanded role and experience in government to build upon the significant achievements of Comptroller Liu’s administration,” Morales said. “I am deeply honored to have Comptroller Liu’s continued trust and confidence, and am proud to undertake this new role.”
Prior to joining Comptroller Liu’s administration, Ricardo Morales served as General Counsel and Interim Chairman to the New York City Housing Authority, the largest public housing authority in North
America with a $3.2 billion annual budget and 11,600 employees. At NYCHA, Morales was the principal architect of the NYCHA Audit Committee and was selected to receive the Ethics in Government Award by the NYC Conflicts of Interest Board for establishing a model ethics program.
Morales holds a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center and received his bachelor’s degree from Amherst College. He and his wife reside in the Bronx.
“Ricardo has served as a linchpin of my administration since I first took office and continues to demonstrate extraordinary leadership and keen guidance,” Comptroller Liu said. “His new role will further leverage his deep knowledge of City government and enable our office to deliver on the commitment I made to City residents early on: to expand opportunity, increase transparency and root out waste, fraud and abuse.”
In elevating Valerie Budzik to Deputy Comptroller for Legal Affairs / General Counsel, Liu said “Valerie has been integral to the smooth and efficient functioning of this office. I know she will continue to perform at the very highest levels and move our vigorous agenda forward.” Ms. Budzik holds a J.D degree from Fordham Law School and received her bachelor’s degree from Fordham University. She and her family reside in Brooklyn.
Background:
As Deputy Comptroller for Legal Affairs / General Counsel, Morales currently oversees the Bureaus of Legal Affairs, Law and Adjustment and Labor Law. In this capacity he also serves as advisor to the Comptroller on all legal matters that impact the mission and operations of the Comptroller’s office. In the Comptroller’s role as investment advisor to the City Pension Funds, Morales provides legal advice and support on issues such as proxy solicitation matters, shareholder initiatives and securities litigation. In addition, Morales works with Bureau of Contracts to ensure city agencies are in legal compliance for contract registration, the Bureau of Public Finance in structuring and negotiating bond sales, as well as the Bureau of Audit to review any legal issues or findings that may emerge as a result of ongoing audits. Ms. Budzik will now assume these responsibilities.
As First Deputy Comptroller, Morales will now be responsible for managing a staff of more than 700 employees and an operating budget of $74 million.
In addition to overseeing the day to day to operations of the Comptroller’s office, he will supervise the City’s audits of municipal agencies, its settlement of claims, accounting procedures and contracts, and its enforcement of prevailing wage laws. He will also act as the agency’s Chief Procurement Officer.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Sta
Please join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for the 2012
State of the Borough Address on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 11:30am at
Harry S Truman High School.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District Bronx County, New York
It is a never-ending story. All we need to do is open a newspaper to find that bad news is being reported everywhere. Here are some highlights from the past two weeks:
In the Bronx, a defenseless 18 year-old man, Ramarely Graham was fatally shot by a New York City Police Officer. Mr. Graham was cornered in his bathroom in his own home. You should know, dear reader, that Mr. Graham’s case is regrettably similar to the case of Amadou Diallo, another unarmed Bronx resident who was shot and killed by four NYPD officers thirteen years ago. And like the fatality of Amadou Diallo, elected officials, religious and community leaders, friends and neighbors continue to offer sympathy and support to Mr. Graham’s family. You should know, dear reader, that we also continue to demand justice in our communities.
President Obama has mandated under Health and Human Services regulations that Catholic churches and religious institutions throughout the United States must provide and pay for abortion services, sterilization and birth control devices. You should know that by doing this, the President of the United States is strangling religious liberty by mandating policies that violate some core religious principles.
The Ninth Circuit Court in California has decided to overrule Proposition 8, a ballot measure that added a provision to the California Constitution that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California”. You should know that this Ninth Circuit Court panel of unelected judges has decided that they know better than the will of more than half of California’s population.
In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has expelled churches from worship services in public school buildings when the schools are empty. Naysayers insist that religion has no place in school buildings - even empty ones. You should know that this same Mayor prevented any member of the clergy from participating at the official 10 year Memorial Service of the 911 World Trade Center Terror Attacks.
The Susan B. Komen Foundation – famous for their pink ribbon to support breast cancer awareness - has bowed to the intense political and reflexive media pressure on behalf of Planned Parenthood and reversed their decision and will again contribute money to America’s largest abortion providers. The original reason the Komen Foundation gave to bar funds to Planned Parenthood this year was because their by-laws disallowed funding groups under federal investigation.
You should know that Planned Parenthood is under federal investigation by a Florida Congressman. You should also know that Planned Parenthood refers much of their breast cancer screening requests instead of providing those services themselves.
These are just some of the more publicized injustices from the past two weeks. People often ask me how I cope with all of the chaos that surrounds us. I tell them that as a Christian, I am not afraid. I know that no matter whatever trials and tribulations life presents to any of us, I trust the Lord.
This does not give me nor anyone else the right to sit back and do nothing. We live in a participatory democracy, and we have a responsibility to raise our voices, fight for justice, fight for our religious beliefs and use our right to vote and elect public officials that will represent us.
I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District Bronx County, New York
It is a never-ending story. All we need to do is open a newspaper to find that bad news is being reported everywhere. Here are some highlights from the past two weeks:
In the Bronx, a defenseless 18 year-old man, Ramarely Graham was fatally shot by a New York City Police Officer. Mr. Graham was cornered in his bathroom in his own home. You should know, dear reader, that Mr. Graham’s case is regrettably similar to the case of Amadou Diallo, another unarmed Bronx resident who was shot and killed by four NYPD officers thirteen years ago. And like the fatality of Amadou Diallo, elected officials, religious and community leaders, friends and neighbors continue to offer sympathy and support to Mr. Graham’s family. You should know, dear reader, that we also continue to demand justice in our communities.
President Obama has mandated under Health and Human Services regulations that Catholic churches and religious institutions throughout the United States must provide and pay for abortion services, sterilization and birth control devices. You should know that by doing this, the President of the United States is strangling religious liberty by mandating policies that violate some core religious principles.
The Ninth Circuit Court in California has decided to overrule Proposition 8, a ballot measure that added a provision to the California Constitution that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California”. You should know that this Ninth Circuit Court panel of unelected judges has decided that they know better than the will of more than half of California’s population.
In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has expelled churches from worship services in public school buildings when the schools are empty. Naysayers insist that religion has no place in school buildings - even empty ones. You should know that this same Mayor prevented any member of the clergy from participating at the official 10 year Memorial Service of the 911 World Trade Center Terror Attacks.
The Susan B. Komen Foundation – famous for their pink ribbon to support breast cancer awareness - has bowed to the intense political and reflexive media pressure on behalf of Planned Parenthood and reversed their decision and will again contribute money to America’s largest abortion providers. The original reason the Komen Foundation gave to bar funds to Planned Parenthood this year was because their by-laws disallowed funding groups under federal investigation.
You should know that Planned Parenthood is under federal investigation by a Florida Congressman. You should also know that Planned Parenthood refers much of their breast cancer screening requests instead of providing those services themselves.
These are just some of the more publicized injustices from the past two weeks. People often ask me how I cope with all of the chaos that surrounds us. I tell them that as a Christian, I am not afraid. I know that no matter whatever trials and tribulations life presents to any of us, I trust the Lord.
This does not give me nor anyone else the right to sit back and do nothing. We live in a participatory democracy, and we have a responsibility to raise our voices, fight for justice, fight for our religious beliefs and use our right to vote and elect public officials that will represent us.
I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
Senator Rivera Hosts Community Meet and Greet with Other Bronx Elected Officials
Assembly Members Gibson, Castro and Stevenson as well as Council Member Joel Rivera will Attend
WHAT: Community Meet and Greet with representatives from the East Tremont, Mount Hope, Fordham Heights and Bathgate areas of the Bronx
Assembly Members Gibson, Castro and Stevenson as well as Council Member Joel Rivera will Attend
State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D,WF-Bronx) is hosting a community meet and greet tomorrow, Saturday, February 10th at 11:00AM, with Assembly Member Vanessa Gibson (D-Bronx), Assembly Member Nelson Castro (D-Bronx), Assembly Member Eric Stevenson (D-Bronx) and Council Member Joel Rivera (D-Bronx). This meeting is an opportunity for members of the East Tremont, Mount Hope, Fordham Heights and Bathgate areas of the Bronx to meet and talk about concerns and ideas about how to make the Bronx better directly with their local and state representatives.
WHO: Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assembly Member Vanessa Gibson, Assembly Member Eric Stevenson, Assembly Member Nelson Castro and Council Member Joel Rivera
WHAT: Community Meet and Greet with representatives from the East Tremont, Mount Hope, Fordham Heights and Bathgate areas of the Bronx
WHERE: St. Simon Stock Church, 2195 Valentine Avenue, Bronx, NY
WHEN: Saturday, February, 10th from 11:00AM – 1:00PM
*Refreshments and snacks will be served.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
LIU, PENSION FUNDS DEMAND TECH GIANTS HOLD SUPPLIERS RESPONSIBL
LIU, PENSION FUNDS DEMAND TECH GIANTS HOLD SUPPLIERS RESPONSIBLE
Unprecedented shareholder proposal has already increased transparency of global suppliers to consumer products from iPhones to Xboxes
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Reports last year of a rash of suicides at Foxconn, the world’s largest electronics contract manufacturer and a major supplier to Apple and other companies, focused the Comptroller’s attention on technology companies in which the Pension Funds are invested. The technology firms that rely on Foxconn and other global suppliers have increasingly been made aware that responsible business practices are
vital to their future success. Although some companies have internal “codes of conduct” for their suppliers, it is clear that this is not sufficient and has not curbed abuses.
“Violations of human and workers’ rights, even if by their suppliers, pose operational and reputational risks that these companies cannot ignore,” Comptroller Liu said. “As long term investors we must be concerned about financial risk as well as alignment with basic values. We have a responsibility to ensure that the profits and products that result from free trade are not created by the exploitation of workers in sweat shops, child labor, indentured slavery or other violations of human rights.”
The Comptroller’s office has engaged in a dialogue with many of the companies starting late last year when it began submitting the proposal to them. The proposal was subsequently withdrawn from Apple, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft after they agreed to launch new programs under which key portions of their supply chain would begin publishing annual sustainability reports.
The proposal will be subject to a shareholder vote at the annual meetings of Dell, Intel, and Motorola this spring if those companies do not agree to adopt the request. The Comptroller’s office expects to file the proposal at additional companies in the coming months.
“Microsoft, Apple, and Hewlett Packard have taken concrete steps to uphold international standards of workplace safety and human rights in their supply chains,” Comptroller Liu said. “They have set an example
that we expect other companies will follow as we expand this effort.”
Background
Companies’ supply chains are the area of their operations that are most vulnerable to labor, human rights and environmental abuses, creating both reputational and operating risks. Current best practice is to conduct independent supplier audits, but audits alone have proven insufficient. Therefore, increasing daylight on tech
suppliers is not only a global moral imperative but the basis of sound
business.
The proposal calls on the companies to have their suppliers track workplace safety and human and worker rights based on international standards. The suppliers should then publish their findings in independently verifiable reports. The proposal asked that the companies use the internationally recognized Sustainability Reporting Guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Companies That Have Adopted Shareholder Proposal
Apple
As a result of extended discussions with the Comptroller’s office, Apple agreed to increase the transparency of its suppliers on December 19. This year Apple will require 90% of the companies it hires for final assembly of its products to publish annual sustainability reports based on the internationally recognized standards set out by the GRI. The reports will describe the suppliers’ ability to comply with international standards of human and workers’ rights. As a result of Apple’s changes, the shareholder proposal was withdrawn.
Hewlett Packard
On November 14, Hewlett Packard agreed to “encourage” its suppliers to demonstrate “continual improvement” by publishing annual sustainability reports based on GRI standards. HP stated that it would show preference to suppliers that “meet or exceed” its expectations. As a result the shareholder proposal was withdrawn.
Microsoft
Following discussions with the Comptroller’s office, Microsoft announced on October 13, 2011 that it would require its key hardware suppliers — including all suppliers for the Xbox — to prepare annual sustainability reports. In addition, starting in 2013, Microsoft will require a cross section of its suppliers to provide reports on their adherence to the requirements listed in the existing Microsoft Vendor Code of Conduct. The code of conduct sets standards for legal compliance, business ethics, labor and human rights standards, environmental protection, and respect for intellectual property. As a result, the Pension Funds withdrew the shareholder proposal.
The New York City Comptroller serves as the investment advisor to, custodian and trustee of the New York City Pension Funds. The New York City Pension Funds are composed of the New York City Employees’
Retirement System, Teachers’ Retirement System, New York City Police Pension Fund, New York City Fire Department Pension Fund and the Board of Education Retirement System. The New York City Pension Funds as of 2/6/2012 held a combined 46,272,577 shares at the six firms valued at $2,299,946,740.50, which includes 2,326,561 shares of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) valued at $1,079,454,507; 5,019,990 shares of Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) valued at $88,602,823.50; 5,034,585 shares of Hewlett Packard (NYSE: HPQ) valued at $144,794,664.60; 13,891,735 shares of Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) valued at $371,187,159.20; 19,277,496 shares of Microsoft (NYSE: MSFT) valued at $582,180,379.20; and 722,210 shares of Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) valued at $33,727,207.00.
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TEXT IN FULL OF THE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL:
Encourage Supplier(s) to Publish an Annual Sustainability Report
WHEREAS, increasingly, multinational companies are realizing that their suppliers’ impacts and sustainability are inextricably intertwined with their own; and
WHEREAS, the UN Global Compact-Accenture CEO Study 2010, “A New Era of Sustainability”, found that 93% of surveyed CEOs believe that sustainability issues will be critical to the future success of their
business, and 88% believe that they should be integrating sustainability through their supply chain, where the most significant performance gap is seen; and
WHEREAS, a study by Aaron Bernstein and Christopher Greenwald, “Benchmarking Corporate Policies on Labor and Human Rights in Global Supply Chains,” (Pension and Capital Stewardship Project Labor and Work-Life Program Harvard Law School, Nov. 2009), found a significant gap between general policies against labor and human rights abuse and more detailed standards and enforcement mechanism required to carry them out; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, PUMA, the Sport lifestyle company, in cooperation with the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI’s) Global Action Network for Transparency in the Supply Chain, which provides GRI certified training on transparent measurement and reporting to supplier factories, expanded its strategic suppliers sustainability reporting project with commitments from 20 suppliers in South East Asia and
other major sourcing regions that they will issue their own sustainability reports from 2011 on; and
WHEREAS, given the merit of the old adage, “What Gets Measured Gets Done”, the long-term interests of multinational companies and their shareholders would be enhanced if companies were to urge their suppliers to establish performance goals on human and worker rights, and to measure and publicly report on performance using internationally recognized standards and measurement protocols;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: the shareholders request that the Board of Directors, using a phased, tiered approach that the Company deems reasonable and practical, take the necessary steps to help move the
Company’s supplier(s) to begin publishing annual, independently verifiable, sustainability reports. Among other important disclosures, reports should include the suppliers’ objective assessments and measurements of performance on workplace safety, and human and worker rights, using internationally recognized standards,
indicators and measurement protocols. In addition, reports should include incidents of non-compliance, actions taken to remedy those incidents, and measures taken to contribute to long-term prevention and mitigation.
Statement in Support
A company’s best opportunity for early identification and mitigation of the risks posed by the human and labor rights violations of its suppliers is the development and rigorous implementation of a risk-management framework to enable its monitoring and verification of its suppliers’ performance against internationally recognized standards of human and labor rights, using measurable and verifiable indicators of performance. Annual sustainability reporting by its supplier(s) would strengthen the company’s ability to assess its suppliers’ performance, to hold its suppliers accountable, help to drive performance improvements, and enable investors to better understand and assess potential reputational and /or operational risks.
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In addition to Comptroller Liu, the New York City Pension Funds trustees are:
New York City Employees’ Retirement System: Ranji Nagaswami, Mayor’s Representative (Chair); New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio; Borough Presidents: Scott Stringer (Manhattan), Helen Marshall
(Queens), Marty Markowitz (Brooklyn), James Molinaro (Staten Island), and Ruben Diaz, Jr. (Bronx); Lillian Roberts, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; John Samuelsen, President Transport Workers Union Local 100; Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.
Teachers’ Retirement System: Ranji Nagaswami, Mayor’s Representative; Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm, New York City Department of Education; Mayoral appointee Lisete Nieves and Sandra March, Melvyn Aaronson (Chair) and Mona Romain, all of the United Federation of Teachers.
New York City Police Pension Fund: Mayor Michael Bloomberg; New York City Finance Commissioner David Frankel; New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly (Chair); Patrick Lynch, Patrolmen’s
Benevolent Association; Michael Palladino, Detectives Endowment Association; Edward D. Mullins, Sergeants Benevolent Association; Thomas Sullivan, Lieutenants Benevolent Association; and, Roy T. Richter, Captain’s Endowment Association.
New York City Fire Department Pension Fund: Mayor Michael Bloomberg; New York City Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano (Chair); New York City Finance Commissioner David Frankel; Stephen Cassidy, President, James Slevin, Vice President, Robert Straub, Treasurer, and John Kelly, Brooklyn Representative and Chair, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York; John Dunne, Captains’ Rep.; James Lemonda, Chiefs’ Rep., and James J. McGowan, Lieutenants’ Rep., Uniformed Fire Officers Association; and, Sean O’Connor, Marine Engineers Association.
Board of Education Retirement System: Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott; Mayoral: Eduardo Marti, Gitte Peng, Jeff Kay; Tino Hernandez, Judy Bergtraum, Freida Foster, Linda Laursell Bryant, and Lisette Nieves; Patrick Sullivan (Manhattan BP), Gbubemi Okotieuro (Brooklyn BP), Dmytro Fedkowskyj (Queens BP), Wilfredo Pagan (Bronx BP) and Diane Peruggia (Staten Island BP); and employee members Joseph D’Amico of the IUOE Local 891 and Milagros Rodriguez of District Council 37, Local 372.
Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting
V Construction Update, Schedule & Costs Bernard Daly, P.E., DEP
VI Explanation of Croton Design Contract Lauren Competello, P.E., DEP
Increases & Change Orders
VIII CFMC Discussion, Set Next Meeting CFMC Representatives
IX Adjourn
Thursday, February 16, 2012 – 7:00 PM
DEP Office – 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467
Agenda
I Welcome & Remarks of New Chair Paul Foster, Chair
II Consider, Adopt This Meeting Agenda CFMC Representatives
III Consider, Adopt 1/12/12 Meeting Minutes CFMC Representatives
II Consider, Adopt This Meeting Agenda CFMC Representatives
III Consider, Adopt 1/12/12 Meeting Minutes CFMC Representatives
IV Continuation, Further Discussion about Croton Hector Aponte, DPR & CFMC Funded Parks and Costs Representatives
V Construction Update, Schedule & Costs Bernard Daly, P.E., DEP
VI Explanation of Croton Design Contract Lauren Competello, P.E., DEP
Increases & Change Orders
VII Croton Jobs & Bronx Purchases Thomas Farrell, P.E., Construction Manager
VIII CFMC Discussion, Set Next Meeting CFMC Representatives
IX Adjourn
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Santorum Three for Three Last Night
Last night the states of Colorado, Missouri, and Minnesota all held caucuses to determine their Republican choice for President. Mitt Romney the front runner lost all three races to Rick Santorum. We had no prediction in these three races, but if you check our blog archive of January you can find under the title "Gingrich wins South Carolina", that we predicted then and still believe that Rick Santorum will be the Republican candidate to challenge President Obama.
We now believe that Newt Gingrich will drop out of the race sometime soon to endorse Rick Santorum as the choice of the Republican Party for President of the United Stated.
Santorum won Missouri with 55% to Romney at 25+%, with Paul getting 12+%, and 7+% to others. Newt Gingrich was not on the Missouri ballot.
Santorum won Minnesota with 45% to Paul's 27%, with third place finisher Romney at 17%, and Gingrich at 11%.
Santorum Won Colorado with 40% to Romney at 35%, Gingrich at 13%, and Paul at 12%.